CATA/ Hit the Hill 2016
I never knew how comfortable I would be going to this year’s CATA Annual Symposium and Hit the Hill event. For the most part, I was nervous leading up to the weekend because I am typically introverted and not as outgoing as others, but then I thought of all of the peers and mentors whom I could think of that could possibly be at the symposium this year. Once Edgar, Matt and I made it in time for the Young Professional’s Social (We stopped by San Jose to celebrate my sister’s birthday), we reunited with friends whom we met at last year’s CATA symposium, and made new friends along the way. It was great to hear how everyone else was doing, even the CBU graduates whom graduated in 2015. Hearing their stories on how they found their jobs and what they have encountered in their young careers was very inspiring; it made me realize how close I am to becoming a health care professional in the world of Athletic Training.
Sunday came and Nate Swift, Heather Harvey and Dr. Steven Winter presented a myriad of topics that benefited our leadership skills and education. Nate presented on what preceptors truly look for in their students and reiterated that it is acceptable to make small mistakes. Preceptors are not looking for perfectionists, they want to teach students who are willing to be active learners and hard workers. One quote that stood out to me was “never put yourself above a water bottle”. This quote reminded me of my experiences over the summer handing out water during the 49er training camp. It also made me think of what Laura said to me, that we specialize in injury and illness prevention. Hydrating patients as quickly and efficiently as possible may look like a petty task, but essentially, we were preventing heat illnesses with every swig of water the patients take during practices and games. Heather and Dr. Winter presented about multiple intelligences and love languages. The way we act towards our peers and patients makes a huge difference in patient care, and our behaviors in the clinic could be the final push over the fence towards full recovery. From a sports medicine staff perspective, it is important to praise each other in a nurturing way. Constructive criticism with a positive attitude is vital for a staff to grow and drive the athletic training profession forward.
As I reflect on the presentations that were given at the symposium, I wonder how much do we as students retain this information and apply it to our classroom or clinical rotations. All of the points made by the presenters can be viewed as obvious, and that to me is a huge trap. And how many clinicians practice what they preach on a consistent basis? I can only speak for myself or from what I have seen, but having these questions does not make them an excuse for starting conflicts or neglecting thereof; it encourages us to minimize the rough patches we may have in our careers.
We also had the opportunity to present our research posters in between the lectures. Through all of the highs and lows of completing our research study (The Potential Benefits of Mulligan Concept Mobilization with Movement Technique on Meniscal Lesions), I could see how relieved Edgar and Nathan were as we were explaining to our audiences what our case study was about. People were very receptive to what we found and with every question asked, I felt very confident answering them. As much as we wished to see the best results possible (improvements in both pain and activities of daily living) this provided great results to reflect on as a clinician. Potentially, our study could get published, and a part of me is really considering this project in the near future!
Hit the Hill 2016 was a totally different experience for me this year. I was not afraid of introducing myself to other athletic trainers fighting for the AB2007 bill on youth sports safety and concussions for non-school programs. In fact, I reconnected with athletic trainers whom I were in meetings with last year and made new connections. I felt more comfortable talking about my experiences as an athletic training student and how important it is for these bills to pass for the better of sports medicine. It is one thing to know how small the athletic training world is but also how amazing that every athletic trainer remembers each other even after months or a year.
Being in the meetings with assemblymen and senators was very empowering. Every meeting that I was in was full of support, and while we still have a long way to go towards our ultimate goal of licensure in California, everyone we spoke to understood our cause. It was baffling to hear that some wonder why we as athletic trainers, out of all professions, want to fight for regulation, when it costs us money, paperwork, etc. The fact that we are fighting for the safety and well being of our patients proves that we are an unselfish profession and we want to hold each other accountable as a profession.
Nathan, Edgar and I (Norma and Siraaj not included) with our poster presentation on Mulligan Concept Mobilization with Movement on Meniscal Lesions.
The Hit the Hill War Room!
Edgar and I in front of the Capitol Building
UC Davis reunion! (Lisa V, Aaron and Malisa)
I am looking forward to next year’s CATA symposium and Hit the Hill event! Weekends like these constantly remind me of why I chose athletic training as a profession; for the better of our profession and for the safety of our patients!
